Can indigestion harm my baby?

No. While it's annoying for you, indigestion certainly isn't harmful for your baby. The slowing of your digestive system may benefit your baby, as it gives your body more time to pass nutrients through the placenta.

What can I do to relieve my indigestion?

You'll probably have to live with some indigestion while you're pregnant, but there are steps you can take to ease or prevent bloating:

Try not to put extra pressure on your tummy while it's digesting after a meal. Sit up straight, wear loose, comfortable clothing, and wait at least an hour after a meal before lying down. Also try to bend at your knees instead of from your waist.

Eat several small meals throughout the day, rather than have three large meals. Take your time eating, and chew thoroughly.

Steer clear of foods that cause your indigestion to flare up. The usual suspects are rich, spicy foods, chocolate, fruit juices and fatty foods. You could try keeping a food diary to see which foods make your symptoms worse.

Drinks containing caffeine or alcohol can also aggravate your indigestion. You'll need to limit how much of these you have during pregnancy, anyway.

Don't smoke. Not only is it very harmful to your baby, but it can also relax the valve between your stomach and your food pipe. This means you're more likely to have indigestion and heartburn.

If you have indigestion at night, try to eat your dinner at least three hours before you go to bed. Also try sleeping with your upper body propped up with several pillows.(CKS 2008, NHS 2010)

Special Offers from Our Partners

Comments

I am 10weeks pregnant.No appetite at all but thank God nausea is gone.I had a big problem with indigestion and I was prescribed Gaviscon.I hope it helps you ladies with the same problem because for me it did.But remember ,medication should come when all other natural remedies have failed.

6 weeks pregnant and not only have i the joy of heart burn and indigestion but nausia also ... Keep feeling like i want to be sick but nothing :-( slight cramping and stomach discomfort and having to run to the toilet (just incase) ...anyone else feel the same ?

Hi. I am 6 weeks pregnant and have had digestion problems too which makes me very uncomfortable. I barely have an appetite for anything, eating has been so difficult for me. I was advised to take gestid, please is that ok? Thanks

Hi. I am 6 weeks pregnant and have had digestion problems too which makes me very uncomfortable. I barely have an appetite for anything, eating has been so difficult for me. I was advised to take gestid, please is that ok? Thanks

Special Offers from Our Partners

We want to make your experience easy and help you quickly find information that matters to you. By using our site, we assume that you consent to our use of these cookies. To learn more about our cookies, including how to opt out, please review our privacy policy.

Food and fertility
A healthy, balanced diet is important when you're trying to conceive. Find out the best foods to eat when trying for a baby, and make sure you're getting all the vitamins and minerals you need.

Meet other mums!
In your Birth Club, you can meet other mums and mums-to-be whose due date, or baby's birth date, is the same as yours. It's the perfect place to share advice, support and friendship with others who know what you're going through, because they are too!